Business
Seylan Bank continues to empower local SMEs in exploring global market opportunities
Recognizing the immense potential SMEs have in the Export category, and with the aim of strengthening the economy of the country further, Seylan Bank, the Bank with a Heart, conducted an export oriented workshop for Small and Medium Enterprise owners in partnership with the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce.
Whilst due attention is paid to SMEs in general, Seylan Bank aims to go beyond the usual boundaries and focus strongly on the export potential of this sector. According to the International Finance Corporation, the SME sector, with over one million SMEs, accounts for 75% of all businesses, making up a large part of Sri Lanka’s economy. Furthermore, around 45% of employment in Sri Lanka relies on effective functioning of SMEs. Within this context, many SMEs in the manufacturing sector, majority being indirect exporters, are interested in entering the export market, but the knowledge gap they have about export related functions and planning of financial elements, deprive them from doing so. Seylan Bank, with its expertise and knowledge about the sectors, can guide and mentor the budding exporters to tap into the export market successfully. This support and encouragement is set to boost both the SME and Export sectors and thereby strengthen the national economy further by creating more avenues for foreign earnings.
The workshop discussed important topics including export audit, market research, and market access, as well as helped SMEs plan the export journey and build a comprehensive export strategy to enter the global market. In addition, the session educated the participants about payment methods and risks of international trade while introducing the relevant financial services available at Seylan Bank. The workshop was facilitated by Upul Dassanayake – Director/ Co-founder of VSSL Global Pvt. Ltd., an International Consultant, Corporate Trainer, C-level Executive Coach and Lecturer with over 20 years of experience along with senior banking officals from Seylan Bank.
“Seylan Bank understands that SMEs form the backbone of our economy. While working towards further developing the sector, we also identified the potential for exports. Our SME market manufactures some specialized products, which if mentored and guided, can be developed to the next level. Our workshops will help them transform their business and help capture the export market with insights, knowledge and most importantly, the financial solutions that can enable them in their journey,” stated Ranil Dissanayake, Assistant General Manager – Branch Credit at Seylan Bank.
The Delegation of German Industry and Commerce in Sri Lanka (AHK Sri Lanka) proudly facilitated the first-ever Sri Lankan delegation’s participation at Drupa 2024, the world’s largest trade fair for the printing industry and technology. Held after an eight-year hiatus, Drupa 2024 was a landmark event, marking significant advancements and opportunities in the global printing industry.
AHK Sri Lanka played a pivotal role in organising and supporting the delegation, which comprised 17 members from the Sri Lanka Association for Printers (SLAP), representing eight companies from the commercial, newspaper, stationery printing, and packaging industries. This pioneering effort by AHK Sri Lanka not only showcased the diverse capabilities of Sri Lanka’s printing sector but also facilitated vital bilateral discussions with key stakeholders from the German printing industry.
Business
Unveiling Ayugiri: Browns Hotels & Resorts sets the stage for a new era in luxury Ayurveda Wellness
In a captivating reimagining of luxury wellness tourism, Browns Hotels & Resorts proudly unveiled the exquisite Ayugiri Ayurveda Wellness Resort Sigiriya. This momentous occasion, celebrated amidst a vibrant and serene grand opening on the 6th of June, heralds a new chapter in the Ayurveda wellness tourism landscape in Sri Lanka. Nestled amidst 54 acres of unspoiled natural splendour, Ayugiri features 22 exclusive suites and stands out as the only luxury Ayurveda wellness resort in the country offering plunge pools in every room, rendering it truly one-of-a-kind.
The grand opening of Ayugiri Ayurveda Wellness Resort was an enchanting event, where guests were captivated by the melodies of flutists and violinists resonating through Sigiriya’s lush landscapes. As traditional drummers and dancers infused the air with vibrant energy, Browns Hotels & Resorts’ CEO, Eksath Wijeratne, Kotaro Katsuki, Acting Ambassador for the Embassy of Japan and General Manager, Buwaneka Bandara, unveiled the resort’s new logo, marking a significant moment witnessed by distinguished guests from the French Embassy, Ayurveda and wellness enthusiasts along with officials from the Sigiriya area, LOLC Holdings and Browns Group.
“Our strategic expansion into wellness tourism with Ayugiri Ayurveda Wellness Resort Sigiriya symbolises a significant milestone for Browns Hotels & Resorts. Wellness tourism has consistently outperformed the overall tourism industry for over a decade, reflecting a growing global interest in travel that goes beyond leisure to offer rejuvenation and holistic well-being. By integrating the timeless wisdom of Ayurveda with modern luxury, we aim to set a new standard in luxury wellness tourism in Sri Lanka. Whether your goal is prevention, healing, or a deeper connection to inner harmony, Ayugiri offers a sanctuary for holistic well-being” stated Eksath Wijeratne.
Ayugiri encapsulates the essence of life, inspired by the lotus flower held by the graceful queens of the infamous Sigiriya frescoes. Just as the lotus emerges from the murky depths, untainted and serene,
Ayugiri invites guests on a journey of purity and rejuvenation, harmonised with a balance of mind, body and spirit, the essence of nature, echoes of culture and the wisdom of ancient Ayurvedic healing.
HNB General Insurance, one of Sri Lanka’s leading general insurance providers, has been honored as the Best General Bancassurance Provider in Sri Lanka 2024 by the prestigious Global Banking and Finance Review – UK.
The esteemed accolade underscores HNB General Insurance’s unwavering commitment to excellence and its outstanding performance in the field of bancassurance. Through dedication and hard work, the HNB General Insurance team has continuously endeavored to deliver innovative insurance solutions, cultivate strong relationships with banking partners, and provide unparalleled service to customers nationwide. This recognition is a testament to the team’s dedication and relentless pursuit of excellence in the bancassurance business.
“We are honored to receive this prestigious award, which reflects our team’s tireless efforts and dedication to delivering value-added insurance solutions and exceptional service through our bancassurance partnerships,” said Sithumina Jayasundara, CEO of HNB General Insurance. “This recognition reaffirms our position as a trusted insurance provider in Sri Lanka and motivates us to continue striving for excellence in serving our customers and communities.”
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